Filmmaker and USC alum Jon M. Chu will speak at the Class of 2025 commencement ceremony May 15 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, the University announced in a press release Friday morning.

Chu was slated to speak last spring before the University canceled its main commencement speeches amid backlash against Class of 2024 Valedictorian Asna Tabassum for interacting with pro-Palestinian content and after the cancellation of her commencement address.

“I can’t wait to stand in the Coliseum among tens of thousands of people, feeling the energy of the Trojan spirit — the same spirit I once cheered on the football team with. I know that spirit lives on far beyond the school’s walls and campus,” Chu said in the press release.

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Chu, who graduated from the School of Cinematic Arts in 2003, comes off directing the Oscar-winning film adaptation, “Wicked” (2024). The director, screenwriter and producer counts “In the Heights” (2021), “Crazy Rich Asians” (2018) and the “Justin Bieber: Never Say Never” (2011) documentary among his credits. 

Outside of filmmaking, Chu created the Jon M. Chu Endowed Student Fund. Its two inaugural scholars, both master’s students from SCA, will explore “human connection through themes of identity and belonging,” according to the press release. SCA also features a scholarship established in Chu’s honor which supports students that feature Asian Pacific culture in film, television or interactive media.